Free Food And Healthy Cooking Classes Available In Buffalo

Often one of the largest expenses a family has in their monthly budget is food, and without busy lives it's often pretty easy to just grab some takeout or make something that is quick, easy, and unhealthy.

However, thanks to a new program that is being offered by a local organization, there is now an opportunity for people in the Buffalo area to learn some new recipes that will help them cook healthy meals for the family, and even get some free food to go along with it.

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The Healthy Options at Home program is offered through a partnership between Independent Health and the African Heritage Food Co-op, which is sponsored in part by Key Bank.

What does the Healthy Options At Home Program Offer?

Eligible families are able to receive Meal Kits that provide meals sufficient to feed a family of 6, along with all of the food needed. This includes all of the ingredients, recipe cards, and even a starter kitchen set that comes with essential cooking tools like knives that are kid safe, a cutting board, mixing bowls, a spatula, and more.

Everyone who signs up will also be able to participate in virtual cooking demonstrations that will help show people how easy it is to cook healthy meals for the entire family.

How Do I Sign Up For the Healthy Options At Home Program?

Families who live in East Buffalo or West Buffalo, and who have at least one child under the age of 18 are eligible to sign up for this program which runs for 4 weeks during the month of May. The program will also survey families during and after the program to find ways to help improve the program for others. Families are also eligible to receive gift cards and other support to help maintain a healthy cooking lifestyle.

Signing up for the program is easy, you just need to click here for the entry form.

New York State Offers Ways To Double Your Food Stamps

In addition to this, the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance has a way for people who receive SNAP to double the impact of their food stamps.

Under the FreshConnect Fresh2You program, New Yorkers get a dollar-for-dollar match when buying more healthy food when they shop at farmer's markets throughout the state.

This new program is great because it gives people more access to healthy food, while also supporting New Yorks farms.